Dec 8 2004
‘Plastic’ bus shelters are to be introduced at some of the West Midlands vandalism hot spots in a bid to save taxpayers more than £70,000 per year.
Public transport promoter Centro has been forced into the move by persistent attacks at a small number of sites. Research found that vandalism at less than ten per cent of the top of the range Showcase shelters accounted for almost half of the annual repair bill.
“It is a sad reflection on levels of vandalism that we now have to provide passengers with lower quality shelters in these locations because of the selfish behaviour of a small minority,” comments Cllr Christine Mills, from Centro’s policy-setting body the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority.
The results of a wide-ranging survey into bus shelter vandalism, together with trials of polycarbonate glazing, will be reported to councillors next week (Monday 13 December).
Centro’s study found that the existing glass is the most cost-effective material for the vast majority of the 1100 Showcase shelters around the West Midlands. It is cheaper, hardwearing and more graffiti-resistant than the plastic alternative. More importantly, it enhances the appearance of the shelter and allows passengers a clear view of the approaching bus.
Polycarbonate glazing, which has now been tested at a number of sites, goes ‘cloudy’ and is more than twice the price of glass. But it does have the single advantage that it is more resistant to breakage, councillors on the integrated passenger services committee are told.
In the worst case of vandalism, Centro had to spend almost £5,000 of public money replacing 134 panes of glass on a shelter in Birmingham. It was attacked almost every week.
“We work hard at combating anti-social behaviour through joint efforts with the police, local councils and the community. It is very sad when we get to the situation where we cannot afford to keep repairing the damage,” says Cllr Mills, vice-chair of the committee.
But she says Centro’s survey does show some very positive results.
“In the vast majority of cases, where shelters are well-maintained and cleaned regularly, our Bus Showcase network is kept in pristine condition – and that all helps make public transport more attractive. In the West Midlands it rains on average more than 175 days a year, so we mustn’t underestimate the importance of shelters in keeping existing passengers dry and enticing more people out of their cars,” she adds.
For more information on polycarbonate, click here.